Solvay Completes Major GHG Emissions-Reduction Project in the US
Solvay has inaugurated its regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) process at its US plant at Green River, Wyoming. The innovative emissions control technology, which Solvay claims is the first of its kind in the trona mining industry, is expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the plant by up to 20% annually and achieve a 4% reduction in emissions at group level by 2025.
“This inauguration reflects our determination and passion for process innovation in the service of sustainability,” said Solvay CEO Philippe Kehren. “This system strengthens Green River’s position as a US benchmark for sustainable soda ash production and marks a key step in reducing our global carbon footprint.”
The implementation of the new process is part of the company’s broader sustainable growth strategy at the Green River site to meet growing demand for soda ash, while minimizing its carbon footprint. According to Solvay, the expansion of soda ash production capacity by 600 kt is currently underway and is expected to be completed by early 2025. Additionally, global export capacity is planned at the Port of Vancouver USA, Washington, by early 2026.
Etienne Galan, president of Solvay’s Soda Ash & Derivatives, added: “Our best in class competitiveness, carbon footprint and logistic capabilities will allow us to support our customers' growing needs for sustainable soda ash and sodium bicarbonate and further position us as the supplier of reference in the US and export markets.”
One of Solvay's seven soda ash facilities worldwide, the Green River plant provides soda ash to manufacture glass, solar panels and lithium carbonate used in EV batteries and bicarbonate used in a wide range of applications including food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, air pollution control.
